Jay Whyte, the founding chairman of the McDonald Coral Coast Fiji 7s, has emphasized the importance of exposing grassroots rugby teams to elite competition in order to raise their standards. With the major tournament set to commence next month at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, Whyte articulated the need for these teams to compete against top-tier opponents to elevate their performance.
“To be the best, you’ve got to beat the best,” Whyte stated, highlighting the critical role that competing with elite national squads plays for grassroots teams. He believes that such exposure allows these teams to measure their progress and ultimately enhances the overall talent pool for national selection in Fiji.
In addition to aiding teams, Whyte noted that improving officiating standards by allowing referees to operate in higher-pressure environments is vital to fostering skill development. “The only way anyone ever gets better is through testing themselves,” he emphasized, indicating that this philosophy drives the tournament’s objectives.
Recently, the one-day Super 7s Qualifier held at Lawaqa Park saw seven grassroots teams successfully advance to the main Coral Coast 7s tournament, showcasing the talent and potential at this level. This initiative not only serves as a platform for skill enhancement among players but also as an opportunity for referees to sharpen their game in a competitive setting.
By focusing on competition and development at the grassroots level, the Coral Coast Fiji 7s aims to enrich the rugby scene in Fiji, ultimately nurturing future national representatives and strengthening the sport as a whole.
Leave a comment